I am constantly updating my ‘Archived Articles’ section of this blog. Over the years I’ve written hundreds of articles on lots of topics. I’ll make most of them available here free of charge. Some longer articles will require a small payment for the digital download. Just go to the ‘Archived Articles’ tab in the header. Each of the sub categories opens to a contents page which describes the articles and provides in internal link. I hope you enjoy them. Go... Read more
In the summer of 1987 I was living in England and had three months free between jobs so I decided to go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem–hitch-hiking and staying at monasteries across Europe. One of the place I wanted to visit was the monastery of St Gildard in Nevers, France. This is where the incorrupt body of St Bernadette is still on display to be venerated by the faithful. So I arrived at Nevers and the place was full of... Read more
My godly Evangelical mother used to “witness” when we were out shopping. She’d ask the store keeper, “Have you been born again?” If the conversation got going she’d relate the story of the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus in the third chapter of John’s gospel. I don’t know if she ever succeeded in making convert, but she succeeded in embarrassing me somewhat. I’m now embarrassed that I was embarrassed and, in hindsight, admire her courage, faith and zeal. The question... Read more
I commented last week on an article in the Irish press about liberal priests pushing for married priests and women priests. What gets me going is that people don’t see that the two issues are not connected. The Catholic teaching is clear. The issue of married priests is a matter of discipline, not doctrine. It’s like fish on Fridays. It’s a venerable tradition, but it can be changed and exceptions to the rule can be made. That’s why I’ve been... Read more
I am not blogging or writing much today because I like to take Fridays as a ‘down day’ to read and study and prepare for the weekend. I couldn’t put down one of the books I was sent for review. Patricia Treece’s God Will Provide by Paraclete Press. Patricia is well known for her books on saints–especially modern saints. She writes in a brisk, cosy and economical style and her great enthusiasm for her subject comes through clearly. The book... Read more
Why, I’d love to talk for a few moments with you boys. Would you like to sit here on the porch? You must get so tired riding around on those bicycles in this heat! You’re Mormons aren’t you? I can always tell–you on the bikes with your helmets on and your white shirts and ties. It’s like a uniform isn’t it? Now, you just sit there for a moment while I get some iced tea and my special lemon cookies.... Read more
The Catholic faith has been around for a long time, and believe it or not, these questions have been asked before. Read more
The Irish Independent reports that the majority of Catholics in Ireland want married priests and women priests. Why I don’t understand is why they don’t just nip along and become Anglicans. They will immediately have all their wishes fulfilled. There will be other benefits as well: They won’t be expected to attend Mass every week. They won’t be expected to be against contraception and abortion They can have gay marriage and lesbianism They can still be ‘Catholic’ (just not “Roman”... Read more
This article that a Planned Parenthood clinic is organizing 40 Days of Prayer for Abortion is shocking, but should not be. Remember that the majority of mainstream Protestant denominations are now “pro-Choice” and an increasing number of Evangelical churches that used to hold firm on abortion are silent or operate a “don’t ask don’t tell” policy. If we want the mainstream Protestant view we only have to turn to the feminist leadership of the Episcopal Church. Katherine Hancock Ragsdale is... Read more
An excerpt from my book Adventures in Orthodoxy. Some years ago there was an Anglican bishop who was asked his opinion about the Christian belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day. The bishop said he believed in the resurrection, but not in any crude physical way. “The resurrection”, he stated, “was not a conjuring trick with bones.” What many people did not notice at the time was that this was a conjuring trick with words.... Read more
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Fr. Dwight Longenecker
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